Glucotrol

Brand name:

Glucotrol

Pronounced: GLUE-kuh-troll
Generic name: Glipizide
Other brand name: Glucotrol XL

Why is Glucotrol prescribed?

Glucotrol is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. In diabetics either the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin that is produced no longer works properly.

There are actually two forms of diabetes: type 1 insulin-dependent and type 2 non-insulin-dependent. Type 1 usually requires insulin injections for life, while type 2 diabetes can usually be treated by dietary changes and/or oral antidiabetic medications such as Glucotrol. Apparently, Glucotrol controls diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. If you suffer from type 1 diabetes, you will need to use insulin and will not be able to use Glucotrol. Occasionally, type 2 diabetics must take insulin injections on a temporary basis, especially during stressful periods or times of illness.

Most important fact about Glucotrol

Always remember that Glucotrol is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Glucotrol is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.

How should you take Glucotrol?

In general, to achieve the best control over blood sugar levels, Glucotrol should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. However, the exact dosing schedule as well as the dosage amount must be determined by your physician.

Glucotrol XL should be taken with breakfast. Swallow the tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or divide them. Do not be alarmed if you notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool<96>it will be the empty shell that has been eliminated.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

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